Government to Expand Kindergarten Capacity by 26,000 Spots by 2026

On Monday, Croatia’s Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Marin Piletić, announced plans to expand kindergarten spaces by 26,000 across the country by 2026. This move is aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for all children in the education system. The government has allocated additional funds for preschool education and invested in the renovation and extension of over 500 kindergartens throughout Croatia.

In addition to this initiative, the government has been co-financing kindergarten work with 70 million euros per year to prevent price increases due to inflation. Local self-government units will invest allocated funds to improve services, capacities, equipment, and salaries for teachers.

During a Council session held on World Children’s Day, Minister Piletić presented the Annual Awards for the Promotion of Children’s Rights in 2023. Among the winners were professors from Zagreb’s Faculty of Law who were recognized for their work promoting the right to a school meal, resulting in government funding for one free school meal for all primary school students.

The Minister also discussed Croatia’s National Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Guarantee for Every Child, worth over 650 million euros. This plan aims to provide equal opportunities in health, social and education systems.

Social worker Matej Korušac from Croatian Institute for Social Work was also recognized with an annual award for his work in child adoption. Through his efforts, five adoptions of children with developmental difficulties were achieved in just eighteen months.

Finally, Minister Piletić mentioned the construction of “Mali Princ” rehabilitation center for children with developmental disabilities which was achieved through a collaborative effort